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30 Years of Namibian Independence - The lessons of solidarity and struggle

The challenge was huge when Namibian people stepped up their struggle for the liberation of their country from racist regime of South Africa. They took on a mighty army, brutal repression and international firms exploiting diamonds, uranium and other resources backed by Western governments. Theirs was a relatively unknown conflict overshadowed by the major struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Independence on 21 March 1990 is a tribute to all Namibians, young and old, women and men, who joined the struggle, often sacrificing their lives.
In Britain, a small group supported the Namibian people. Friends of Namibia organization evolved into the Namibia Support Committee (NSC), which campaigned against uranium exports, and other trade, mobilized British trades unions, campaigned for Namibian women, organized concerts and demonstrations, sent health kits, briefed journalists and lobbied politicians.
Thirty years on, we look back at the solidarity campaigns of the NSC and others. What worked best to support Namibians’ anti-racist, liberation struggle? What lessons can activists use today?

Speakers are the former Chairperson of the NSC and a Namibian activist who came to UK as a teenager for a speaking tour months after her release from gaol The conversation is moderated by the former coordinator of Church Action on Namibia.

Nov 25, 2020 07:00 PM in London